Groundbreaking on New Science Hall

Siloam Springs, Ark (August 24, 2000) - On August 24, 2000 John Brown University will break ground on the William H. Bell Science Hall. The $7.4 million project will build and equip the 43,000 square foot science hall.

The facility will house the Division of Natural Science and includes faculty offices and classrooms as well as labs for physics, chemistry, biology, microbiology and bio-chemistry. When complete in spring 2002, the facility will serve more than 1,100 students throughout the academic year.

Dr. Cal Piston, Chair of the Division of Natural Science and Professor of Mathematics, said, "Both faculty and students are enthusiastic about this new building. There is no doubt a quality environment enhances research, experimentation, and classroom learning."

Funding for the facility was generated by JBU’s recently completed Campaign 2000 where the science hall was a top priority. A generous contribution from the J. A. and Leta Chapman Trust of Tulsa rounded out contributions from JBU alumni, faculty, staff and friends. John Brown University has a long been a beneficiary of the Chapman Trust. Mr. William Bell was the Trust’s liaison to JBU and a committed friend of the university.

"Given the history of the Chapman Trust and JBU, and William Bell’s long outstanding tenure as a member of the JBU Board of Trustees, it is only fitting to name this incredible facility in his honor," said Alan Cureton, JBU vice president for university advancement.

The groundbreaking ceremony will be preceded by a special service in the JBU Cathedral of the Ozarks beginning at 10:30 a.m. featuring guests from the Chapman Trust of Tulsa including William H. Bell’s wife Rita Bell, his son R.D. Bell, and daughter Sharon Bell. Sharon Bell presently a serves on the JBU Executive Committee and is a member of the JBU Board of Trustees